Arizona

Arizona wine might be new to some (it was to me), but it really is another state that has a rich history of viticulture in a challenging terrain.   This area has been inhabited for thousands of years and there are extensive ruins, cliff dwellings, and petroglyphs that provide clear evidence that ancient peoples practiced agriculture and that this was spiritual area to prehistoric and indigenous people.  Before European influence, indigenous peoples of Arizona used native plants and fruits, including grapes, for fermented beverages.  The Hohokam and Sinagua were indigenous cultures in Arizona who transitioned from hunting and gathering to farming about 2,000 years ago.  They were adept at to adapting advanced irrigation techniques and dry farming methods to thrive in the hot, arid, American Southwest desert environment. 

Fig. 1 A serene, almost spiritual view from a cozy wine bar in Sedona, where vibrant red rock formations meet the warmth of a perfectly poured glass and hanging out with Meg. We just picked a few bushels of grapefruit from my uncle.

Amazing to comprehend, but Italian Jesuit priests, intrigued by high altitude regions with diurnal shifts, first brought Vinifera to Arizona around 1690.  Eusebio Francisco Kino was documented to first grow sacramental wine in this region in the early 1700s.  Some of these missions and vineyards where established and flourishing 200 years before those on the west coast.  Moderating influence to help cool the vines down is needed in the extremely hot weather environment.   Having lived in the Mojave Desert for nearly 30 years, I can attest that moderating influence are needed to grow many agricultural products in this area.  My hot pepper plants need lots of love! 

Fig. 2 View from our room in Sedona, Arizona. Sadly, we did not have any of our five dogs on this trip. But, the couple next door had a beautiful silver labrador that was full of energy and gave me my dog fix.

The winemaking in Arizona, like much of the United States, was significantly impacted by Prohibition.  Many vineyards established were abandoned, and the industry largely disappeared.  However, in 1970, there was a soil scientist, Dr. Gordon Dutt, from the University of Arizona, who performed experiments on the sustainability of viticulture in high altitude regions.  These investigations concluded that regions of Arizona have a unique terra rossa soil, a loamy surface with red clay in the middle, with lime on the bottom.  This is like the soil types is like Burgundy, France, which is known for its terroir-driven wine.  Dr. Dutt's efforts led to the establishment of experimental vineyards and the founding of Sonoita Vineyards, that state’s first commercial vineyard and winery, which played a key role in revitalizing winemaking in Arizona.  He is a pioneering legend in Arizona wine revitalization. 

Fig 3 Early evening before pizza in the courtyard at Vino Sedona, surrounded by the charm of this landmark region. The spirit of Sedona is a harmonious blend of natural beauty, creativity, and serenity that inspires reflection. Sedona's tranquility left me feeling renewed.  

The AVAs of Arizona are unique geographic and climatic regions.  The state currently has three: Verde Valley, Senoita/Elgin, and Willcox.  Most of the state’s production, about 75%, comes from the Willcox AVA, southeastern Arizona.  It’s high-altitude vineyards, volcanic soil, and significant diurnal temperature swings contribute to the overall quality of the wine.  Average rainfall in the Willcox AVA is 16 - 18 inches, mostly during monsoon season. The Verde Valley AVA, in the central part of the state, benefits from a mix of river valley soil, cooler temperatures, and a vibrant agritourism scene.  With a variety of soils - Valley Verde has limestone, sandstone, and basalt with some highly fertile alluvial deposits - the area also gets 16 - 18 inches of rain, mostly during monsoon season. Southern Arizona is home to Sonoita/Elgin AVA and sits between 4,500 and 5,200 feet elevation and was the first AVA in Arizona. This valley is surrounded by the Santa Rita Mountains, Mustang Mountains, Whetstone Mountains, and Huachuca Mountains just north of the Mexican borader. The mineral deposits in the Valley's soil is a unique mixture of reddish-brownish gravelly loam.   These AVAs reflect Arizona’s emergence as a notable wine region, producing high-quality wines that showcase the state’s landscape and microclimates. 

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The ride home to Las Vegas from Sedona is absolutely stunning with a variety of landscapes from Grand Canyon like red rock formations and pine forests to desert plains and mountain ranges.  In leaving Sedona, you almost immediately enter the lush Oak Creek Canyon with its steep canyon walls, dense forests, and sparkling running waters of Oak Creek.  As you ascend, landscape quickly changes from the red rocks of Sedona to the dense pine forest of the Coconino National Forest.  The higher elevation brings an immediate cooler temperature and refreshing alpine atmosphere. 

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As you approach Flagstaff, you can see the highest mountains in Arizona, the San Francisco peaks.  Flagstaff itself is a fun college town, a charming mountain town with a vibrant downtown area, historic route 66, and a backdrop of towering pines and mountain vistas.  As you continue driving towards Las Vegas, the landscape gradually shifts from pine forests to the high desert of northern Arizona.  The open plains offer expansive views, and it is an easy ride as the landscape increasing becomes rugged and arid as you approach Hoover Dam.  You are almost home at that point!

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Wine tasting in Arizona, and the drive through parts of the state, showcases the diverse beauty of the American Southwest.  And there is no mistaking, wine tasting in Arizona has evolved into a captivating journey, blending the state’s stunning natural beauty with its burgeoning wine culture.  From the high desert vineyards of Sonoita and Willcox to the picturesque Verde Valley, Arizona’s wine regions offer a diverse range of flavors and styles that reflect the unique terroir of each AVA. 

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Wine Tasting Notes

Winery 1912 Ferdinand

Freitas Arizona Mesa Red 2014

Provisioner White Blend 2017

Winery 1912 Mataro

Arizona Stronghold

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Native legend says Sedona is home to powerful energy vortexes-concentrated areas of spiritual energy that promotes healing and meditation.  One thing is for sure, it is amazing tasting Arizona varietals surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs, vibrant with hues of red, orange, and pink, which really standout at sunset.  I definitely had a sense of calm, inspiration, and heightened awareness in Sedona. Its mystical energy is the combination of natural beauty and perceived energy that really creates an atmosphere of transformation and renewal.